COLLEGE URGES EMPLOYERS TO RESPOND TO NEW KICK START JOB SCHEME

North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSLC) is calling on employers to get in touch in response to the Chancellor’s announcement of support to help get young people into work. Today’s announcement of a package of measures to support work placements, traineeships and apprenticeships includes cash incentives for businesses and a new ‘kick starter’ scheme to fund jobs for young people at risk of long-term unemployment.

The measures have been announced as part of the Government’s ‘Plan for Jobs’ designed to get the economy back on track in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. With young people likely to be hardest hit by recession, employers are being provided with support to take them on including a £2,000 bonus for employing an apprentice and £1,000 for a traineeship. In addition, as part of a new kick starter scheme, the government will cover the cost of 25 hours’ work a week at the national minimum wage for young people aged 16-24 claiming Universal Credit.

The plans were unveiled as data emerged that youth unemployment could increase significantly this year with school leavers hardest hit by the effect of recession. The Association of Colleges has earlier predicted that half of this year’s school and college leavers would find it difficult to get onto the first rung of the career ladder.

Katy Urwin, Director for Apprenticeships at NWSLC said, “Today’s announcements provide a welcome bonus for businesses who can provide meaningful employment for young people and help to restart the economy by making sure that they have the skills they need to thrive.

“At NWSLC, we have candidates ready and waiting to access work placements, traineeships and apprenticeships across the region and our team of advisors are ready to help employers find the right match with their business needs.”

In addition to a range of apprenticeships, NWSLC is preparing to launch its own refreshed traineeship scheme which is designed for those who are either not yet ready, or who cannot find, an apprentice position. The college’s 12-week programme starts in September and will include:

• Vocational learning in subjects such as engineering, hairdressing, and construction
• English and maths for those who have not yet achieved a Level 2 qualification
• Employability training including career planning and job search skills
• A work placement.

Katy Urwin added, “There has never been a better time for businesses to take on young people. This level of government support makes the opportunity for employers to grow their own talent even more attractive. And the college is standing by to introduce work-ready candidates and streamline the recruitment process.”

NWSLC works with more than 1,000 national, regional, and local businesses across a wide range of sectors including more than 350 organisations operating apprenticeship programmes.

It has been successful in its bid to offer the new T Level qualifications from September 2022.

Katy Urwin added, “We also have access to additional funding that can help businesses who might otherwise struggle to offer an industry work placement to college students. This can pay for the cost of extra insurance, travel expenses and any PPE required for the job.

“Employers who would like our help to recruit young people and take advantage of the incentives announced today should call 0330 058 3000 or email be@nwslc.ac.uk and we look forward to hearing from you.”